CHAPTER 103: CHAPTER 103: THE MISTRESS RISES TO POWER

"At the product launch, I hope everyone focuses on the product. If anyone wants to follow in that person’s footsteps, I don’t mind repeating what just happened."

As Desmond Fairchild spoke, the entire audience of reporters fell silent, drawing a collective breath of shock.

They were well aware that while Cloudsea Group didn’t operate within the media industry, their influence in Bayside City was such that silencing a news story would be an easy feat.

"Alright, today’s press conference ends here. Thank you all, you may leave in an orderly fashion."

"Wait."

As Ace was about to manage the scene and allow the media to leave gradually, Seraphina Sinclair suddenly spoke coldly.

Consequently, the reporters who were about to leave halted their steps, and everyone’s gaze was fixed on Seraphina Sinclair.

"I did marry the wrong person, but I am not the third party! As for who the third party is, I think everyone should interview Ethan Lloyd’s current wife, she knows better."

Seraphina Sinclair’s words left the audience in shock.

Although she didn’t name anyone directly, her words effectively insinuated that Melanie Lloyd was the one who intruded into their relationship.

"Then..."

"Shut up."

One of the reporters, after hearing Seraphina’s words, wanted to ask a question, but before he could speak, Desmond Fairchild stopped him.

In such a situation, naturally, no one dared to say much more and could only leave the scene silently.

As Ace managed the orderly dispersal, Desmond’s gaze couldn’t help but fall on the woman beside him.

"Seraphina, are you okay?"

Seeing Seraphina’s flushed face, Desmond could sense her tension.

"I’m obviously fine, and besides, didn’t I just turn the tables on camera earlier?"

Seraphina tried hard to adjust her emotions to appear more composed, then turned sideways and looked seriously at Desmond.

Although she was very grateful for Desmond’s protectiveness and his willingness to openly confront the reporters for her sake.

But Seraphina didn’t need that.

Her conscience was clear, and she was unafraid of slander. She wouldn’t confess to something she never did, nor would she swallow her grievances silently. Yet every mention of those incidents was a painful reminder for her.

"Actually, Desmond, you’re right. I shouldn’t run away for a lifetime. No matter how deep the abyss, you and Jude will pull me out, right?"

Seraphina smiled as she spoke, while Desmond stood quietly by, listening and watching the calm in her eyes.

In that moment, Desmond suddenly felt he had come to know Seraphina anew.

Her gentleness and strength complemented each other, shaping the radiant image she presented to the world today.

Desmond sighed, gently taking her hand and kissing it lightly: "I will."

No matter how deep the abyss, he would rescue her.

The one he loved should live freely under the sun.

Seraphina, blushing from his sudden gesture, quickly withdrew her hand, awkwardly hiding it behind her.

"Alright, the press conference has ended, so I’m heading back to Kevin Group. Let’s keep in touch by phone if anything comes up."

Seeing that most people had already left, Seraphina also departed the scene.

Desmond watched her figure gradually recede and said nothing more.

On the other side, as the live broadcast of the conference ended, Melanie Lloyd’s face turned ashen.

"Wow, who’d have thought I’d get such juicy gossip from today’s live stream? So Mrs. Lloyd climbed up by being the ’other woman’? Unbelievable!"

Back when Mr. Sinclair passed away, Ethan Lloyd and his wife had conspired to tarnish Seraphina Sinclair’s reputation. And Melanie Lloyd, the real ’other woman,’ had made a glamorous entrance to become Ethan Lloyd’s true wife.

"Enough, Shirley Lynch, shut up!"

Hearing these jarring words, Melanie naturally felt displeased, her face turning dark.

Shirley Lynch, with her inherent spoiled heiress temperament, couldn’t change overnight. Add to that Melanie’s recent bridge-burning behavior, she wasn’t about to truly listen to Melanie and quiet down.

She let out a derisive chuckle and continued, "Melanie, it doesn’t feel good to be exposed, does it? Want to make a comeback in front of the media?"

Even though Desmond had stated at the conference that he didn’t want to see any news about Seraphina the next day, Cloudsea Group had broadcast this event live online. So, even without news tomorrow, many online would know that the Lloyd Group’s first lady rose to the top by being the ’other woman.’

And through this event, Shirley Lynch had thoroughly transformed her lowly image by playing off Melanie’s predicament.

"What good ideas do you have?"

Unsurprisingly, Melanie’s expression changed immediately after hearing her words, staring seriously at Shirley Lynch.

Given the unfavorable online reviews, which could even affect Lloyd’s stock, Ethan Lloyd would surely hold her accountable.

So, what Melanie wanted to do was to fix this loophole by any means necessary.

"To be honest, I was the one spreading those online comments, as well as the negative news about Seraphina. If you agree to collaborate with me, I can hire ghostwriters to turn the situation around for you."

Although Shirley Lynch was also brought down by this, she never regretted ruining Seraphina’s reputation.

Seeing Melanie remain silent, Shirley grew impatient and continued, "Melanie, this is your last chance. I imagine things are hard to explain to President Lloyd at this point, right?"

Although Shirley had made it clear, Melanie still hesitated, saying she needed a few days to think and would call her back afterwards.

On her way back home from the café, Melanie seemed lost in another world, distracted even while driving, nearly causing an accident, saved only by the constant honking from the driver beside her, leaving her shaken.

Upon arriving home, she parked her car first, then pushed open the door to the villa.

But she didn’t expect Ethan Lloyd to be waiting for her at the entrance upon hearing her car’s engine stop.

Initially, Melanie felt touched and even spoke softly, "Ethan, I’m home... slap!"

Before she finished, Ethan’s slap landed on her face.

"Ethan Lloyd, are you crazy? Why did you hit me?"

Ethan’s slap landed with great force, making Melanie’s right cheek burn painfully, bringing tears to her eyes.

"Do you even have the face to speak? How many things have you done behind my back these days, thinking I wouldn’t know?" Ethan’s face was ashen as he stared menacingly at the woman before him.

He had suspected something with Melanie sneaking about and meeting Shirley Lynch mysteriously several times. He originally thought these two women couldn’t stir up much trouble, but unexpectedly the Lynch family ended up in such a big mess.

This morning, when Peter Lynch called him to take responsibility, Ethan was utterly bewildered.

After hearing his words, Melanie no longer dared to act arrogantly. She quickly grasped Ethan’s arm, speaking softly, "Darling, please let me explain, I really didn’t know Seraphina would say such things, I..."

"What did Seraphina say? Melanie, how many things have you kept from me!"